Tm 17 05

Culture | Public Affairs | Business

Photo: Aynur Badalova

SPORT REPRESENTS TOLERANCE AND UNDERSTANDING: ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES COME TO BAKU

Also in this issue: Interview: Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov on the Azerbaijani role in the UN Senator André Reichardt pushes the Karabakh issue to the top of the French foreign policy agenda EU–Azerbaijani relations in the ascendant Mugham from Azerbaijani Karabakh highlighted for French cinephiles Jevdet Hajiyev centenary remembered at Carnegie Hall

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Enter the TEAS competition and win £100 of Amazon vouchers

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Printed by www.turquoisemedia.eu

Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European foundation dedicated to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links between that country and the nations of Europe.

As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions.

TEAS has three main facets to its operations: • Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre.

• Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions.

• Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinionformers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

In pursuit of its objectives TEAS: • Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers • Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences • Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and produces films • Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.

Facebook

The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest news, events, campaigns and other Azerbaijan-related items. Visit and ‘like’ our page at: http://bit.ly/TEASFB.

Membership and Sponsorship TEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, trade missions, networking, business sector advice and hotel discounts.

TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for its events and conferences. To find out more, e-mail: membership@ teas.eu.

Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!

Firstly, our congratulations go to Thomas Cole, who is the winner of the competition in the April 2017 edition.

To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following five questions, the answers to which will be found in this issue of the magazine. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 6 June: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Who is the President of the France–Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate?

Which marathon was completed by Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, during which he donned a black armband carrying the number ‘613’, in memory of the Khojaly Massacre victims?

Which model of Boeing airliner is currently being purchased by Silk Way Airlines?

Who is the President of the Mugham Society of America?

Which legendary American concert hall hosted the West Meets East concert, celebrating the centenary of composer Jevdet Hajiyev?

Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcomingevents 20 May: Ahmad Jamal presents Shahin Novrasli Emanation (Paris). Maison des Océans, 195 Rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris. 20.30hrs.

Tickets: http://bit.ly/novraslisgdp17 Coming in the wake of his fellow pianists Isfar Sarabski, Emil Afrasiyab and Elchin Shirinov, Shahin Novrasli is now set to headline at the Jazz Festival à St-Germain-des-Prés Paris at the invitation of the legendary Ahmad Jamal. On this occasion, he will showcase tracks from his new album Emanation.

23 May: Azerbaijani–UK Poetry Night (London). Level 6, Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT. 19hrs. RSVP via EventBrite at http://bit.ly/teaspoetry Compered by the renowned Azerbaijani poet Nigar Hasan-Zadeh, and complemented by live Azerbaijani piano and oud music, this evening will be hosted in the new Level 6 space of Foyle’s flagship store.

This will feature readings (in translation) of works by some of the greatest Azerbaijani poets – both classic and contemporary – by such leadings masters of verse as Mikhayil Mushfig, Ahmad Javad, Fikret Goja, Bakhtiyar Vahabzade, Nigar Rafibeyli and Shahriyar.

The British poetry contingent will comprise Elaine Feinstein, poet, novelist, playwright and translator; Ruth Padel, poet, novelist, critic, broadcaster, Hellenophile and artistic polymath; Fiona Sampson, poet, writer, founder-director of PoetryFest, founder-editor of Orient Express, former editor of The Poetry Review and current editor of Poem, a quarterly international review; and David Harsent, poet, scriptwriter, novelist and frequent librettist for Sir Harrison Birtwistle. The reading will also include Elaine’s translations of verses by Nigar Hasan-Zadeh.

29 May: Screening: Objective Baku – Hitler’s War on Oil (Paris). Musée de l’Armée, Hôtel des Invalides, Auditorium Austerlitz, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris. 18.30hrs. Tickets: paris@teas.eu (limited capacity) Screening of a new documentary in the presence of producer Louis Vaudeville and director Robert Mugnerot.

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Politics and News

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French Senator Reichardt: peaceful Karabakh conflict resolution is Presidential priority

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

From the TEAS Director In this issue, we examine the productive EU–Azerbaijani talks that have come in the wake of a series of high-level visits, including that of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Brussels. We also report on French Senator André Reichardt’s efforts to highlight the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, intended to place this firmly on the foreign policy agenda amongst French Presidential candidates.

In Paris, the screening of the TEAS film Young Voices, Ancient Song demonstrated the irrefutable cultural role of the NagornoKarabakh region in Azerbaijan. We also print an interview with H.E. Vaqif Sadiqov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, which details how Azerbaijan is participating in UN-based organisations.

This interview also highlights the threat posed by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia. This has the same design as Chernobyl, which failed so catastrophically in 1986. It continues to operate only because of Armenia’s poverty, caused by the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which has precluded any possible involvement in Azerbaijaniled energy projects. Ambassador Sadiqov also comments on the role of Armenian President Sargsyan as a military commander during the conflict, and how that has cast a shadow over his tenure.

Finally, we look forward to the forthcoming Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, and look back at my own modest success in completing the Brighton Marathon, running for my old university, but wearing a black ‘613’ armband in memory of all those killed 25 years ago during the Khojaly Massacre.

Lionel Zetter Director, TEAS

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Responding to an invitation from TEAS France, Senator André Reichardt has shared his views concerning the foreign policy priorities for the next French President. This statement has been published in La Revue du Trombinoscope – a French political magazine with a circulation of 15,000 – that dedicated its March issue to French Presidential candidates regarding the future of French foreign policy.

Writing as President of the France– Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate, he stated: “The peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be a priority for the next French President.” He underlined that, after 25 years of Franco– Azerbaijani diplomatic collaboration, he is impressed by the high level of co-operation in various fields, most notably in the spheres of collective security, energy and economic collaboration.

However, Senator Reichardt observed that, despite these good relations, and the status of France one of the three OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – tasked with establishing a negotiated peace in the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – Azerbaijan has great difficulties in making its perspective heard in France due to the strength of certain lobbies.

With this in mind, he called on the next French President to show an “exemplary objectivity” in this realm. He underlined

Senator André Reichardt, a staunch proponent of the Azerbaijani cause, speaks at the TEAS Business Forum Paris in 2013

that this conflict needs to be peacefully resolved as soon as possible, as it impacts the “political and economic stability of the region” – at the doors of the European Union.

Senator Reichardt also stated that this conflict has had deep ramifications for Azerbaijan. Due to the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding territories, the country has to deal with nearly one million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), whose only hope is to return to their lands, in peace with their neighbours, as was previously the case.

Senator Reichardt concluded by reiterating his proposal to push for interparliamentary discussions with both Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts in the French Senate in an attempt to “move the discussions forward” – a proposal made in the margins of the official visit

by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to France in mid-March.

EU–Azerbaijani negotiations are ‘productive’ Baku has hosted the first round of negotiations regarding a new agreement on the strategic partnership between the EU and Azerbaijan. According to the Report news agency, the EU delegation was headed by Luc Devigné, Head of the Directorate for Russia, EU Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Co-operation and the OSCE at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Describing the dialogue with a delegation headed by Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, as “productive”, he pledged that contacts would continue through a series of meetings and video-conferences, aimed at finalising the agreement.

Mr Devigné also highlighted the need for the expansion of co-operation in the trade and transportation sectors. In turn, Mr Mammadyarov made reference to the recent visit to Brussels by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, noting that this signified the start of greater collaboration.

Touching on the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Mr Mammadyarov stressed the importance of adopting an approach on the basis of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states within their internationally-recognised borders in relation to protracted conflicts, as specified in the Global Strategy for EU Foreign and Security Policy.

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Politics and News

TEAS Director runs Marathon for charity – and for Khojaly On 9 April, superfit Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, demonstrated the full extent of his physical prowess by participating in the Brighton Marathon. He ran with a team from his alma mater of Sussex University to raise funds for research trials to find a cure for Podoconiosis. Particularly common in Africa, this form of swelling can lead to disfigurement and disability. Lionel also donned a black armband emblazoned with the number ‘613’ to commemorate the victims of the Khojaly Massacre, the worst

single atrocity of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which claimed the lives of 613 civilian victims 25 years ago.

After completing the distance of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.2km), Lionel commented: “It was the hottest day of the year to date, and a lot of runners were collapsing with the heat, so I was just pleased to finish and be able to raise some money and highlight the good causes.”

Deputy Mayor Karsenty praises Azerbaijan Philippe Karsenty, the Franco-Jewish Deputy Mayor of the French Neuillysur-Seine Commune, has contributed an article to the www.dreuz.info website entitled L’Azerbaïdjan, un pays fascinant (Azerbaijan, a fascinating country) (http:// bit.ly/azkarsenty). The website is founded on American Christian conservatism and is pro-Israeli, and it is testament to the inherent tolerance and pragmatism of Azerbaijan and its foreign policy that it carried this resolutely positive article.

The article reads: “Azerbaijan is a fascinating country and, over and above this, due to its culture, geographic situation, relations with the outside world, flourishing economy and its multiethnic and multicultural nature, it is a place where all peoples live together. It is the envy of all occidental countries, and its identity is not specifically Islamic.

“With its bay on the Caspian Sea, this majority Shi’ite Muslim country is surrounded by Iran, Georgia, the Russian Federation and Armenia, and Azerbaijan has managed to cultivate excellent relations with its rivals, otherwise viewed as veritable enemies, including the US, Russia, Israel and Iran.

“After only 25 years of independence, Azerbaijan is on the way to taking its place on the world stage, due to its human and natural resources. It is Europe-facing, and its banknotes currently carry a map of our continent, for which Azerbaijan is a

strategic partner. It must be remembered that it is rare to find such a stable and modern country in this region.

“In Azerbaijan, the Christians quietly go to church. Jews peacefully walk in the street, with or without their kippa, without attracting any hostility. Although Azerbaijan is a majority Shi’ite Muslim country, above all it is a secular country; a country where all are free to be themselves, in practice.”

Mr Karsenty compares Azerbaijan favourably with France, remarking: “It is impossible to imagine that, in a Muslim-majority country in 2017, and also in the French suburbs, that women walk peacefully in town, at any time, wearing any form of dress.”

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, donned a ‘613’ black armband in memory of the victims of the Khojaly Massacre (Photo: Marathon-Photos.com/Global-Pix.com)

“Less than 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is now a model of development and peaceful coexistence between cultures and religions.

“That’s admirable, that’s remarkable and that’s fascinating.”

He then comments on the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, saying: “There is one shadow cast over this picture – the occupation of Azerbaijani NagornoKarabakh. In the mainstream media, the notion of ‘occupied territories’ is frequently mentioned.

“However, this concept should never be associated with Azerbaijan, as it is an occupation recognised by the international community and in several UN resolutions.

Although the Azerbaijani army has considerable force and is well-armed, it believes that war does not remain an option; the Azerbaijani authorities clearly prefer the force of right, rather than the right of force.

Following his visit, Philippe Karsenty has written an informed report about the realities of tolerance and multiculturalism in Azerbaijan

OIC Head: Islamic Solidarity Games shows true image of Islam The Islamic Solidarity Games ranks amongst the biggest sports events within the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC). This manifests not only Islamic solidarity in action, but also shows the true image of Islam, a religion of peace, harmony and tolerance, stated Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General, OIC in an exclusive interview with Trend News.

He expanded: “People today are living in a world that is frequently shaken by violence, indiscriminate extremism; radicalisation and injustice. In other words, intolerance is sown and cultivated across various aspects of life – religious intolerance, such as islamophobia; cultural intolerance in disrespecting difference; and intolerance towards the oppressed who seek refuge. In this

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context, promoting peace, development and solidarity is more than timely and crucial.”

Mr Al-Othaimeen stressed that the declaration of 2017 as the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan is very important and greatly appreciated. He added that this consolidates the status and tremendous efforts made by Azerbaijan – an important OIC member state – in strengthening the bonds of unity, harmony, friendship and peaceful coexistence amongst people in the Islamic world and elsewhere, regardless of origins or cultures. Mr Al-Othaimeen concluded that the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games – to be hosted in Baku from 12–22 May – reflects this spirit. Go to www.baku2017.com for more information on the Games.

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Business News

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International Caspian Oil and Gas on the horizon Caspian Oil&Gas 2017, the 24th International Caspian Oil and Gas exhibition, the largest energy event in the region, will be held from 31 May–3 June 2017 in Baku Expo Centre. As a recognised industry platform, the exhibition has been bringing together senior-level directors every year to discuss key oil and gas projects in the Caspian region, thereby ensuring energy security.

The opening ceremony is always hosted in the presence of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) always support the event. Amongst others, companies from China, Georgia, Germany, Iran, Russia, the Netherlands, Turkey and Uzbekistan will participate. They will demonstrate innovative technologies in oil production, oil and gas transportation, storage systems, services, and give insights into existing and future oil and gas projects in the region. Both Italy and Germany will have national pavilions.

The General Sponsor is SOCAR, the Gold Sponsor is BP, and the Silver Sponsor is TP Azerbaijan. Amongst the Bronze Sponsors are Azeri MI, Baku Steel Company, AZFEN, the Caspian Drilling Company Ltd, Caspian Marine Services (CMS), Global Energy Azerbaijan, RussNeft, SOCAR Polymer, Tekfen Construction and Simone.

Complementing the exhibition, the International Caspian Oil and Gas Conference will take place from 1–2 June at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku. This will provide suppliers with the opportunity to present technologies and services, acquire useful business contacts, and gain new information and technologies, thereby expanding opportunities for international collaboration in the oil and gas sector. The organisers of the exhibition and conference are ITE Group and its partner Iteca Caspian. Go to www.caspianoilgas.az for full details on how to attend.

During his visit to Caspian Oil&Gas 2016, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev examined plans for a series of new SOCAR refineries and petrochemicals plants alongside Rovnag Abdullayev, CEO, SOCAR

Essential information on banking, telecommunications and licensing Dentons – a TEAS member company – has issued an important client alert reflecting the latest developments in Azerbaijani legislation in banking, telecommunications and licensing. The banking section relates to significant changes regarding the temporary administration and financial rehabilitation of troubled banks, including the disposition of an insolvent bank; voluntary debt restructuring; the role of the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) as the liquidator; and the personal liability of bank administrators. The telecommunications section covers the registration obligations of providers, and this is also related to amendments to licenses and permits pertaining to mobile communications.

Go to http://bit.ly/dentonsbanksandit to read the full alert.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan plays an essential role in the financial lifeblood of the country

Absheron to start producing at year-end 2019

Speaking during the SOCAR International Forum in Baku, a SOCAR spokesman revealed that gas production from the Azerbaijani Absheron Field in the Caspian Sea could begin in late 2019 or early 2020. Absheron is a gas field in the Caspian Sea, located 100km south-east of Baku and 25km north-east of the Shah Deniz gas field. It covers about 270km 2 and is operated by French Total. The field, discovered in 2011, is thought to contain 350bn m 3 (bcm) of natural gas and 45m tonnes of condensate.

$1.1bn of Boeings for Silk Way Airlines The Azerbaijani Silk Way Airlines has purchased 10 new Boeing 737–MAX 8 aircraft, which will be manufactured at the assembly facility in Renton, Washington D.C., worth some $1.1bn (£849.7m). H.E. Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the US, commented: “We are proud that one of the top Azerbaijani airlines is buying its new airplanes here in the US. Azerbaijan is happy to contribute to the American economy, thereby creating jobs for American workers.”

In 2015, Silk Way purchased three Boeing 747–8 freighters, also for a cost of $1.1bn. That same year, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) celebrated delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Marty Bentrott, Vice-President of Sales: Middle-East, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, reflected: “We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Silk Way with this aeroplane order. We value our partnership with Silk Way, and are grateful for their enduring confidence in Boeing products.”

ADB lends over $1.3bn to Azerbaijan during 2016 According to APA-Economics, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) allocated a $1.3bn (£1bn) loan to Azerbaijan to finance four projects in 2016. Of this, $520m (£401.6m) was allocated for expansion of the energy network, $75m (£57.9m) for water supply improvement, $500m (£386.1m) for development of the Shah

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Deniz Gas Field and $500m (£386m) to support economic growth in the country. This amount does not include an additional $500m allocated for the Southern Gas Corridor. As of 31 December 2016, the ADB loan portfolio in the Azerbaijani private sector amounted to $373.6m (£288.5m).

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Culture

The pain, joy and poetry of mugham comes to Paris For the sixth consecutive year, TEAS France has collaborated with Europa Film Akt (EFA), organiser of the twelfth L’Europe autour de l’Europe (Europe around Europe) film festival, bylined with the timely expression “Migrations exist. Death does not exist.” This phrase was penned in 1929 by the great Serbian expressionist author and diplomat Miloš Crnjanksi. The evening marked the French premiere of the new TEAS documentary film Young Voices, Ancient Song, which was screened to around 120 Parisian diplomats, cinéphiles, and friends of Azerbaijan, including H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France and Hedva Ser, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy for Cultural Diplomacy. Jeffrey Werbock, President, Mugham Society of America, and director of the film, attended the premiere.

Young Voices, Ancient Song was screened at the long-established multidisciplinary Parisian literary arts hub known as L’Entrepôt, founded in 1975

by Frédéric Mittérand, former French Minister of Culture. Irena Bilic, Director, EFA, introduced the evening, commenting: “Tonight we have a unique event, comprising a film, dialogue with the director, and a concert. I would like to thank TEAS, our partner for the sixth successive year, for making this exceptional evening possible, and for introducing us to another facet of Azerbaijani culture.”

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, stated: “We are proud to have produced this important film, the purpose of which is to speak of mugham music and those Azerbaijani children who are refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – the ongoing victims of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Despite the ceasefire that was brokered

Hedva Ser, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy for Cultural Diplomacy, recalled the aphorism that “art is the shortest way for one man to speak to another man.”

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in 1994, the conflict still claims its victims.

We must not forget that, just one year ago, the ‘Four Day War’ claimed numerous lives and reiterated the urgent need for resolution.

“Our greatest wish at TEAS is for a peaceful conclusion to the NagornoKarabakh conflict. This would enable the civilians, who are the primary victims, to one day return to their homes and bring the Azerbaijani culture of mugham to its original land – the region of NagornoKarabakh.”

Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Director, TEAS France, remarked: “Young Voices, Ancient Song speaks of the tradition of mugham – which is very dear to Azerbaijan. Mugham is an improvised music with its roots in Nagorno-Karabakh, which expresses joy like sadness, and love like loss.

“The Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict cost around 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory, which remains under foreign occupation by Armenian forces and has resulted in around one million refugees and IDPs, placing mugham in danger of disappearance.

“This film demonstrates how IDP children now keep the mugham tradition alive and charts the quest of Jeffrey Werbock – a mugham musician of American nationality, but Azerbaijani at heart – to find, after many years, the IDP children who were living in camps across Azerbaijani territory, and to discover that mugham survives.”

The Azerbaijani region of NagornoKarabakh, which has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for a quarter of a century, played an essential role in the development of mugham. It is particularly remarkable that the children of Nagorno-Karabakh are extremely talented at performing this complex art form. In 2000, Mr Werbock embarked on a voyage of discovery to find the whereabouts of the singers and instrumentalists he had interviewed amidst the railway carriages and ramshackle dwellings that housed the estimated one million Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees. The film charts his quest to find three of the singers he heard at the time in their temporary settlements, and to discover how their lives and talents had developed.

During the question-and-answer session with Mr Werbock at the end of the film, one viewer stated: “I was extremely moved by the film, which was a real discovery, explained a type of music and introduced me to a country of which I was previously

Following the screening and lively, informed Q and A session, Jeffrey Werbock performed a captivating piece of mugham on solo kamancha, evoking a metaphysical ambience and concluding the event with great éclat (Photos: Stylin’Co)

unaware. It was a great viewing experience, as the music was very profound, and it was a marvellous film. It was amazing to see these children singing this music to their grandparents.”

Mrs Ser, who has erected 11 peace statues around the world as an UNESCO Artist for Peace, commented: “I was so touched by the film, which demonstrated your love for the country. But it also encapsulated the warmth of the people, which I discovered myself when first visiting Azerbaijan. The people are so kind and friendly. I was also moved when I saw the small children playing mugham. Art is the shortest way for one man to speak to another man. All of the children were happy, despite the tragedy of displacement – when they were singing, they were on a higher aesthetic plane – which is a lesson to us all.”

The question-and-answer session also covered the state of the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan that could facilitate the return of Azerbaijani IDPs to their homeland; the extent to which child khanende protégés become professional adult singers; the similarities between muqam and mugham music; and the Turkic roots of the Azerbaijani language. It concluded with an evocative performance by Mr Werbock on the solo kamancha, generating an emotionallycharged ambience that resulted in a moment of rapt silence, before an eruption of applause concluded the evening. Go to http://bit.ly/yvas to see a trailer for Young Voices, Ancient Song.

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Culture

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Hajiyev centenary celebrated at Carnegie Hall Born in Sheki, Jevdet Hajiyev (1917–2002) was one of the legends of Azerbaijani classical music, with a long and active life that spanned the entire Soviet period, his final work being dedicated to the victims of Black January.

Jeffrey Werbock (kamancha) and Pervin Muradova (piano), daughter of composer Jevdet Hajiyev, joined forces to perform mugham-inspired music by the Russo-American composer Alexander Peskanov (Photos courtesy of Pervin Muradov)

He studied at the Azerbaijan State Conservatoire under the father of Azerbaijani classical music – Uzeyir Hajibeyli – and later under Dmitri Shostakovich in Moscow.

However, he remained influenced by Azerbaijani traditional compositions, particularly mugham and ashiq music. He is renowned for his work in developing the Azerbaijani symphonic tradition. Dmitri Shostakovich commented: “Jevdet Hajiyev is a truly talented composer with a unique ability in writing music of symphonic depth and philosophical content.”

On 5 April, his life and work was celebrated at Carnegie Hall in New York as part of the Express Yourself in Music gala benefit

concert for children with autism. The concert was entitled West Meets East.

The organisational executive committee for the Brooklyn Music Teachers’ Guild Inc., led by Pervin Muradova, daughter of Jevdet Hajiyev, brought together a team of exceptional musicians of all ages for the concert. The roster included the conductor Miriam Burns, Russian baritone Bogdan Petrenko, Canadian soprano Sabrina Ozden, Azerbaijani violinist Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev, UK-based pianist Jelena Makarova and special guest Jeffrey Werbock on the Azerbaijani tar and kamancha, alongside numerous student performers.

The evening featured the world premiere of the evocative Azerbaijani Rhapsody, composed by Alexander Peskanov in memory of Jevdet Hajiyev and his beloved wife Amina Dilbazi, which prompted a standing ovation. Sabrina Ozden performed the Lay-Lay lullaby by Jevdet Hajiyev, thereby receiving its Carnegie Hall debut. The scene was then set for Jeffrey Werbock (kamancha) and Pervin Muradov (piano) to perform an evocative piece

Remembering the sacrifices of the Great Patriotic War, youthful baritone Boris Potrenko performed Mardan’s Aria from the opera Veten (Motherland) by Jevdet Hajiyev, written in collaboration with Gara Garayev in 1944

where eastern intonations and microtones blended harmoniously with western scales, resulting in an organic fusion between classical forms and folk music, creating a unique ambience.

Jelena Makarova performed a richly-textured selection of mugham-inflected works from the pen of Jevdet Hajiyev

The extraordinary rendition of Jevdet Hajiyev’s Scherzo by violin virtuoso Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev left an unforgettable impression on the audience. Pianist Jelena Makarova went on to perform some of his piano works, which have recently been published in the west for the first time.

Soprano Sabrina Ozden gave the Carnegie Hall premiere of the emotionally-charged folksong Lay-Lay in its arrangement by Jevdet Hajiyev, featuring Jeffrey Werbock on kamancha

Attendees included Yashar Aliyev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN; Tofig Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN; and Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Observer for the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation to the UN.

Music, poetry, song and dance seamlessly combine in Paris The Paris-based Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova has collaborated with versatile artiste Mukaddas Mijit for a multidisciplinary, multicultural evening of the arts, encompassing music, poetry and dance.

Organised by Saida at the Église protestante unie de Boulogne-Billancourt in Paris, the work comprised works by French composer Claude Debussy, contemporary Turkish composer/pianist Fazil Say and Italian composer/pianist Ludovico Einaudi, alongside pieces by Azerbaijani composers Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Akshin AliZadeh, Farhad Badalbeyli and Oqtay Zulfugarov – renowned uncle of Saida – being interpreted by Mukaddas through dance. These were complemented by

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recitations of works by Turkish poet Nâzim Hikmet, Azerbaijani poet Nizami and Uzbek poet Shah Meshrep.

by Poulenc and Prokofiev, scored for piano and flute. All tickets are free, and go to http://bit.ly/eglisebillancourt for a map on how to find the church.

An unexpected surprise guest was the mugham khanende Sahib Asadov, who performed the folk song Kucelere su sepmishem, made famous by the legendary Rashid Behbudov, and the evening concluded with an encore of the emotional Sari Gelin. Go to http://bit.ly/kumruballad to see Saida and Mukkadas perform and dance the Kumru Ballad by Fazil Say. The evening was one in a series of concerts featuring Saida, hosted at this church.

On 21 May the programme will comprise valses, ballades and études by Chopin and the concert on 25 June will include works

Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova and artiste Mukaddas Mijit give a unique multifaceted interpretation of the evocative piano music

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08

Personalities – Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov

Ambassador Sadiqov speaks on the occasion of the UN-mandated International Day of Novruz in Geneva on 21 March 2017, which was added to the UN Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009

Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov – Azerbaijan in the international arena Born in Baku, H.E. Vaqif Sadiqov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva is a career diplomat. A graduate from the Azerbaijani University of Languages, he gained a doctorate in linguistics in 1986 and thereafter worked as an Assistant Professor at his alma mater. He joined the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs soon after the regaining of Azerbaijani independence in 1991, initially heading the Political–Military Affairs Division. Ambassador Sadiqov was first posted overseas in 1995, when he was appointed as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Vienna, UN Industrial Development Organisation, and the OSCE. Amongst many other positions, Ambassador Sadiqov was the Azerbaijani Representative to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Organisation and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and prior to his current position was Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy. Ambassador Sadiqov has occupied his current posting since January 2016.

Neil Watson caught up with Ambassador Sadiqov in Geneva following a historic screening of the independent documentary film Endless Corridor (Aleksandras Brokas; US/Lithuania, 2015) in Geneva, which charted the return to Azerbaijan by Lithuanian journalist Ricardas Lapaitis who had witnessed the aftermath of the Khojaly Massacre in 1992 – the worst single tragedy of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh ­ – which

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claimed the lives of 613 civilian victims.

What are the primary objectives of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva?

The UN Office in Geneva is the umbrella organisation for numerous UN agencies and the second biggest UN office after that in New York. However, it is the foremost UN office in terms of the number of events organised under its auspices, with almost 70 per cent of all annual UN events being held here in Geneva. With the exception of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Azerbaijan is a member of all UN-based organisations. We have been in negotiations mode with the WTO for nearly a decade, and hopefully this will be finalised during the next few years, when we become a fully-fledged member. Speaking formally, our job is to represent Azerbaijan in the UN agencies. We work in co-ordination with the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, and members of other governmental bodies, to promote our interests here.

In Geneva, in addition to the political entities, such as the UN Human Rights Council, there are numerous specialised agencies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Organisation for Migration, International Labour Organisation, International Telecommunication Union, UN Conference on Trade and Development, UN Economic Commission for Europe, World Intellectual Property Organisation

and the World Meteorological Organisation.

These are important parts of the overall UN machinery, and each of these has their direct counterpart in Azerbaijan. Constant dialogue is being undertaken, and we are the facilitator of this.

Much of this work is being undertaken directly by the Mission itself, with other aspects receiving informational support from Baku. For example, the WHO works directly with our Ministry of Health. We are ensuring that Azerbaijan is seen to be, and is, active in all these organisations, and that all drafted documents have our input. Geographically, Azerbaijan may only be a small country, but it is important that it shows its interest in all these sectors.

This is essential, as we all live as part of a globalised world, and must show that we have something to contribute and are very much interested in certain areas and issues. Obviously, our views are sometimes overlooked, due to the voting procedure. However, to be in the game is more important than the actual result.

The results may be beneficial or not, but the caravan is moving, and we will be left behind if we do not participate.

What was your previous diplomatic position?

I was previously posted in the home city of another UN Office – Vienna – as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria and the representation of Azerbaijan to OSCE and also to the agencies of the UN office in Vienna. Numerically, it is home to fewer offices than those housed in Geneva, but they include such offices as the

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Personalities – Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov International Atomic Energy Agency, of which we became members in 2001. Today, this does not just cover nuclear energy, but security and foreign policy.

This includes the issues relating to the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia. This was designed in 1969, with the first unit being commissioned in 1976, and its design is now outdated and regarded as unsafe. Of course, the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the assistance of some countries, have helped Armenia upgrade the plant to the greatest possible extent, thereby ensuring that the surrounding population has the requisite amount of energy. It currently supplies around 45 per cent of all Armenian energy. However, there are limitations as to the extent of upgrading that can take place, and it should be replaced as soon as possible. It was constructed without a containment vessel, and its original design was the same as that for Chernobyl. This means that any type of event that tragically took place there could be repeated here. Another feature is that the plant is located in a highly seismic zone, which is susceptible up to eight on the Richter scale. This places a very dangerous perspective on what could happen to the country and region.

Despite the relatively strict controls that have been established by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the procedures in the plant are seen to be quite lax, based on the information that we periodically receive on the attempts to smuggle some of the metal scrap that is now radioactive.

This cannot be used in a nuclear warhead, but it can be used in the so-called ‘dirty bombs’ that combine radioactive material with conventional explosives. If they are incorporated in a missile, they may destroy the opponent’s object, but they

will also bring the population to a state of panic because a form of nuclear warhead has been used. There have been several instances when Georgian law enforcement personnel intercepted drivers coming from Armenia trying to sell this type of material.

All these factors serve to make us very cautious about the situation, to put it mildly.

Also Hrant Bagratyan, Former Armenian Prime Minister has made threats to use nuclear weapons against Azerbaijan. This places another complexion on the subject of the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. If Armenian politicians had taken a more realistic approach to conflict settlement, the issue would have been resolved a long time ago. Given our abundant energy resources, Armenia could have benefited from the Azerbaijani hydrocarbons boom and would have had no need to keep the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant operational. It would now be entombed in concrete and rightly forgotten.

We have a strategic partnership with Georgia, which we provide with a great deal of oil and gas for a preferential price.

Armenia could have easily organised a similar arrangement, but its occupation of Azerbaijani sovereign territories has precluded this. If we look to the future, it could still benefit in this way. The Armenian government needs to consider the development of the country and its people.

Were you involved in the operations of the OSCE Minsk Group – tasked with establishing a negotiated peace to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – during your time in Vienna?

The modus operandi of the OSCE Minsk Group is very much autonomous. Naturally, they have some financial and secretarial

In his preface to the Geneva screening of Endless Corridor, Ambassador Sadiqov recalled the personal stories underpinning the human tragedy of the Khojaly Massacre, and commented on the ongoing impasse in Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict negotiations

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support from the OSCE in Vienna, but mostly they operate separately. Normally, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs officially report in Vienna twice or three times a year.

On the other hand, the OSCE is a body bringing together 57 member states and 11 partner countries. It is therefore very important as a place where everyone brings their own views on aspects of European and global policy. This covers the entire OSCE area, which stretches from Canada to the Far East. Many issues are now under consideration in the areas of security, economy, human rights, the environment and other topics, and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is related to many of these topics. That is why, even without the physical presence of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, much can be done to support Azerbaijan. The issue of Nagorno-Karabakh can be brought into every debate at some level, such as regarding the destruction of Azerbaijani historical monuments in the occupied territories, which remains one of the most unfortunate faces of the conflict. In fact, we have frequent dealings with UNESCO on this subject.

I joined the diplomatic service at the beginning of 1992, and was posted as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vienna in 1995, where I remained for the period of nine years. Throughout this period, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was the foremost issue for our Embassy and the OSCE. We were constantly trying to represent the Azerbaijani position and make it understood. We were successful in certain areas, and unsuccessful in others. However, we still have to highlight the issue in the UN, OSCE and Council of Europe frameworks. We raise NagornoKarabakh in all organisations in which we are members or have partner relations, such as the European Parliament, where we have a co-operative mechanism.

Ambassador Sadiqov recalled that civilians are the first casualties of war during his speech at the Khojaly Massare commemoration in Geneva

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Personalities – Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov

In Geneva, Ambassador Sadiqov exchanges dialogue with Ricardas Lapaitis, a Lithuanian journalist, whose eyewitness account of the Khojaly Massacre and his return to Azerbaijan form the basis of the documentary Endless Corridor

This is the number one issue for the country, and determines our internal and foreign policies, security, economic and humanitarian strategies.

What are the obstacles confronting Azerbaijan in making its voice heard?

The international community comprises both big and small countries. In the early 1990s, it was more difficult for Azerbaijan to make its voice heard. Our resources had not been explored, there was no knowledge and experience of the country and the Contract of the Century had not been signed. Over time, we acquired more human resources and experience and attracted overseas investment. Azerbaijan has now established approximately 80 diplomatic missions of various types around the world, and our job is consequently easier.

Nowadays, the challenges are more concerned with being a small country, and it is necessary to work more. In certain areas, insufficient information has been disseminated and understood, which proves that diplomacy is an endemic process. As part of the international community, a diplomat may seek to reach one point, but then recognise that there are parallel developments. You look to your left and right, see that the train is moving and that it is necessary to catch up. The information dissemination process never actually stops.

In fact, there are many new issues or topics that we would like to discuss with different players, and also developments to which we would like to respond. Some of the challenges will haunt us forever, and others we will try to overcome. If we stop participating, we are out of the game.

Dissemination of information abroad is an important function of all diplomatic missions and other state agencies, requiring the

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support of civil society and those who support the country on a professional level. TEAS is a great example of how to develop awareness of the country. That is why I am grateful to TEAS and its staff, not just as an Ambassador, but firstly as an Azerbaijani citizen, as it undertakes much professional work in presenting my country.

Of course, I am also grateful to TEAS as an Ambassador. TEAS effectively amplifies the impact of our work, contacting those nations and organisations that cannot be reached via official channels.

Do Armenian diplomats deliberately try to be obstreperous, stopping the Azerbaijani Mission from making its views known?

I believe that this is undeniably the case.

The Armenian diplomats try to present their views in a mechanical manner and to get the upper hand in discussions. They mirror the endeavours of my colleagues and myself. The Armenian lobby has had an undeniable impact. This happens to a great extent in such countries as France, but does not have a similar impact in other countries. In general, the issue of lobbying happens on a specific legal basis and can be used for indoctrination. The opposing side is then often forced to utilise the same means to present its views. There are two sides to each story and, with such important topics, it is our duty to present the other side.

People now rely very much on smartphones and computers for their information and do not have the patience to go to archives and find the information themselves. The internet age is excellent, as it is efficient and saves time. However, in terms of analytical depth, people are sometimes liable to jump to conclusions without having understood or absorbed the necessary information. On the other hand, you can push a button to post on the internet, and your message is available to thousands of readers around

the world, which can be extremely helpful.

An ocean of information is available on each topic, and the media has an important role to play in establishing a framework and bringing the correct objective information to the public.

What are your memories of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh?

One of the issues making it difficult for us to spread our message is that the conflict was not reported adequately at the time, and started during a very difficult period, if we take 1992 as the starting point. As I stated during the introduction to Endless Corridor, my students and I volunteered to help Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia coming by train, following their expulsion, who were en-route to Baku. In my view, November/December 1987 really marked the start of the modern conflict.

By 1992, we had inflation of 1800 per cent and our economy was nonexistent. We were inundated with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the conflict, did not know how to solve this issue, and had virtually no foreign policy experience.

There was virtually no journalistic coverage of the conflict and no internet or social media. The media knew very little about Azerbaijan and its geopolitical stance. This all had a negative impact, and meant that there was an inaccurate understanding of the conflict. Regrettably, this ill-informed misunderstanding continues up to the present day in certain areas. Certain stereotypes were implanted in the consciousness of people and in the minds of the international community at the time, and some of these still continue to pervade.

These stereotypes remain a hurdle that the country has to surmount when presenting its position. This is not easy, but there is no other way to go. We have to confront these

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Personalities – Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov stereotypes and prove their inaccuracy.

These include the view, propagated by the Armenians, that the conflict is religious in nature. They deem themselves to be a small Christian country and the cradle of Christianity, surrounded by Muslim countries that harbour a dream of completely destroying Armenia. Of course, this is complete nonsense, but we have to live with it. It is necessary to explain to people of all levels that there is nothing inherently religious about the conflict. The occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions is a classic case of one country wanting to grab the territory of another. All other accusations are a smokescreen presented by our opponents.

Due to the efforts of the Azerbaijani government, and organisations such as TEAS, the situation has started to change.

This work is a never-ending process and we have to continue to propound the truth.

What is the role of Russia in maintaining the status quo in this conflict?

We have to face the reality that the geography of this conflict is never going to change. Russia is a huge neighbour to the north of Azerbaijan and Georgia. There are more than a million Azerbaijanis living in Russia, many of whom hold Azerbaijani citizenship. There are excellent economic Russo-Azerbaijani relations, many of which date back to Soviet times, when our economies were integrated. We continue to enjoy excellent relations with Russia.

Furthermore, Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which has adopted four resolutions regarding the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the country continues to be an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair. The position of Russia on the conflict depends on context. On

one hand, it has excellent relations with Azerbaijan, but it has allied relations with Armenia. Russia has military and political alliances with Armenia, and has military bases housed in the country. Armenia also belongs to the Eurasian Economic Union, which is a Russian construct. Many Armenian economic enterprises, including the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, formally belong to Russia or are operated through joint ventures. Hence, Russia exerts a considerable level of influence on Armenia, which itself was formed due to the influence of the Russian Empire in the 19 th Century. Hence, Russia has a great deal of leverage over Armenia, and some influence on Azerbaijan.

We have pipelines that bypass Armenia, due to the conflict, and it has derived no benefits from the Azerbaijani hydrocarbons boom. Due to the level of Russo– Armenian relations, we expect Russia to be more active. This is not a conflict in another hemisphere – it is taking place approximately 100–200km from the border with Russia. We raise our voices occasionally, because we feel the process lacks the speed that is justified. Russia is aware that Azerbaijan does not have any hidden agenda, and that our message has been very consistent for 25 years. It knows the level of compromise acceptable to us on strategic issues. The main tenets of the Madrid Principles have been determined and will never change on the main issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty – these factors are sacred for us.

Russia is aware that the issue of partitioning Azerbaijan, or any independence for Nagorno-Karabakh, is completely out of the question and is not on the discussion agenda. France and the US – the other two OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – are also important, but Russia occupies a particularly pivotal role. In fact, all three Co-Chair countries are members of the UN Security Council.

Azerbaijan wants to find a peaceful solution to the conflict through negotiations. This is a difficult task, and there are constantly new hurdles and impediments. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has determined that this is the path we should adopt, albeit difficult and fraught with challenges.

Ambassador Sadiqov participates in a debate on the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in Whitehall, London

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In April 2016, the so-called Armenian– Azerbaijani ‘Four Day War’ took place, the ceasefire for which was brokered by Russia. Where has this left Azerbaijan?

The 1994 ceasefire was not a complete ceasefire, and there have been deaths on the ‘contact line’ ever since it was brokered.

This is why some commentators coined

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the term ‘frozen conflict’, which is most inaccurate. Last year, there was increased intensity in fire from the Armenian side, and the Azerbaijani military returned this.

The ‘Four Day War’ did not develop out of the blue – it was due to increased intensity.

The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry told the Armenians not to fire at civilian targets, as near the ‘contact line’ there are many civilian homes, hospitals and schools.

One day there was serious shelling by Armenian forces, initially aimed at army positions, and they started firing deep into the territory. There were subsequently casualties amidst the civilian population, including children. That is why the Azerbaijani army had to and did respond.

The Armenians probably did not expect that intensity of fire, and some territory was regained. The psychological impact of that resumption was considerable, and the Armenians could see that we have the potential to regain our territories. It also made the mediators become more active, and we are still waiting for the results of this diplomatic intensity to become apparent.

The statements by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and Presidents of their respective countries underlined that this status quo cannot be maintained. There is thus a need for increased diplomatic activity. Instead of organising empty meetings that result in press releases of three lines, we should start working on an overall peace agreement. The Madrid Principles are already in existence and provide a foundation.

We should start drafting the text of a peace treaty, and this proposal has been officially made on numerous occasions.

This was the objective of the OSCE Minsk Group when it was established in 1994.

Despite all the talks subsequently, work has not yet begun on this document. At the present time, the internal situation in Armenia itself is very difficult, and no miracles are expected. Firstly, they need to clear up their own home. Thereafter, they will hopefully be ready to go forward with conflict settlement.

Do you believe that a change in Armenian President from Serzh Sargsyan, who was born in Khankendi, will be the key to going forward?

The personality of Serzh Sargsyan casts a big shadow over this process, as he was born in Azerbaijan and actively participated in military operations in the region. This was the justification for his election as Armenian President, and his government entirely comes from Nagorno-Karabakh.

I think there is a certain red line that he

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Personalities – Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, built without a containment vessel – as was that in Chernobyl – remains a manifestation of the negative impact of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict on the Armenian economy and infrastructure

cannot cross because he came to power on that ticket. However, I do not think a change of President will make the situation completely different. At best, it could be useful, as we would have some fresh people with some new ideas. However, there are some substantial issues that need to be addressed. Serzh Sargsyan has a specific background that cannot be shaken off.

In your introduction to the documentary Endless Corridor, you reminded us of the four outstanding UN Security Council resolutions that demand Armenian withdrawal from the seven surrounding regions. Why do you think these have not been implemented?

There are many hotspots and conflicts around the world, and divisions seem to be multiplying, not least due to the impact of the internet. As we speak, the UN has probably never been weaker since its establishment in 1945. Divisions between the countries also find their way to Europe and to their representations in the UN. The UN Security Council never immediately implements a resolution, but I cannot remember a time when the divisions between the five permanent members were more vivid and striking. This is inhibiting the UN Security Council from fulfilling its main objectives of ensuring international peace and security. International law is generally very fragmented. The law is being used and abused to present certain positions and to shroud certain issues.

The other question is as to whether we can really bury the UN and replace it with a more effective institution. The UN was actually born amidst the ashes of World War II. Sometimes it is quick at implementing resolutions to avoid being placed under the fire of criticism. The UN can be criticised like any international body, but there are

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currently not many alternative options.

Destroying one entity and replacing it with another is no assurance of success. The UN undertakes some challenging work – and there is simply no other way to go.

To date, the UN has passed four UN Security Council resolutions and one General Assembly resolution against the Armenian occupation, which are full of good words and intentions. The resolutions are already there, and we already have the high ground regarding the legal basis to solve this conflict. However, there is a great chasm between the legal basis and practical direct implementation.

The UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented. However, we cannot bomb a country or send troops to do so.

Due to the amount of problems around the world, it is difficult to have a unanimous approach to some of the biggest issues, and Nagorno-Karabakh is no exception to this. It is a complex issue, and challenging for a body, such as the UN, to have an impact. We hope that António Gutteres, the new UN Secretary-General, who combines the qualities of a politician, as the former Portuguese Prime Minister, with having been the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, will enhance understanding of our issues.

Following resolution, is there room for a UN mandated peacekeeping force around Nagorno-Karabakh?

This is an issue for the two warring countries – Azerbaijan and Armenia – to decide. We have a ceasefire, although it remains shaky, and it is possible that the UN or OSCE may decide that we need peacekeepers. All options are open, and each can be the subject of discussion.

They may possibly decide that no external law enforcement is necessary.

What was the value of screening Endless Corridor in Geneva?

The value of the event cannot be accurately evaluated according to the number of persons attending, although the screening was well-attended by around 130 diplomats, members of the diplomatic community and representatives of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs). The most important aspect was that it took place in Geneva, which is home to many international organisations, and yesterday many of these were represented. It is possible that many of the attendees had prior knowledge of the Khojaly Massacre, but virtually not had seen the humanitarian side – they had only looked at it from a legal perspective.

Due to Aleksandras Brokas, Director, Endless Corridor, the viewers saw the real humanitarian tragedy. It is particularly significant that the film was an independent US–Lithuanian co-production by a nonprofit-making organisation, as this demonstrates that civil society is very much involved and interested. The filmmakers simply depicted that which had been seen by an eyewitness – Lithuanian journalist Ricardas Lapaitis. It was extremely balanced, and even contained the perspectives from some Armenian military commanders and human rights activists.

The film was a revelation for many in the audience regarding the hidden aspects of the conflict. In my view, the screening was a great success, and I am grateful to TEAS for organising such an event and for representing my country so effectively.

Visit http://geneva.mfa.gov.az to find out more about the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva.

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Special Feature: Azerbaijani–Indonesian relations

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Azerbaijan: my dreams are in that silent night

by Nia S. Amira, Indonesian poet, author and journalist When I read a series of statistics and saw the photographs of stiff, lifeless bodies, I felt half of my soul brought to a time tunnel, where I witnessed a little girl running around in a field of blooming daisies, or hearing a trio of poets performing mugham, transporting listeners to a reverie of feverish love. This was a sweet dream of a golden period of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Karabakh conflict.

The edicts contained within the Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed in Paris in 1948, have been violated brutally and continuously for a quarter a century, unfortunately by Armenia, the closest neighbour of Azerbaijan.

The Armenian lobby propounds the Armenian stance on an international level, much of which is focused on attempts to gain support for its perspective on Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia currently occupies approximately 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory, comprising NagornoKarabakh and the seven surrounding regions.

Indonesia has become one of the foundations of hope for the Azerbaijani nation, particularly from a religious perspective, as Azerbaijan is a moderate Muslim-majority country.

Indonesia – especially Jakarta – has become an ideal place for both Azerbaijan and Armenia to seek support in Southeast Asia.

H.E. Dr Tamerlan Garayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia, outlined the background to the Khojaly Massacre prior to the screening of the landmark documentary Endless Corridor at the State Islamic University Jakarta on 7 March

Azerbaijan has been waiting for many years for the world to recognise the massacres and intimidation suffered by its nation. We must then flashback 25 years, when hundreds of civilians were brutally and inhumanely killed during the Khojaly Massacre, the worst single atrocity of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan, a wonderful country, has been embroiled in a war with Armenia for more than a quarter of a century.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan – located 7,778km from Jakarta – ­ was recognised by Indonesia on 28 December 1991. Almost a year later, diplomatic relations between the two countries officially commenced on 24 September 1992. On 12 February 2006, the Embassy of Azerbaijan was established in Jakarta, being the first Azerbaijani Embassy to be opened in Southeast Asia.

In reciprocation, Indonesia responded by opening its Embassy on 2 December 2010 in Baku.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its appreciation in international forums for Indonesian support of the position of Azerbaijan regarding the Nagorno-

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At the end of 2016 and early 2017, Indonesian cinemas screened Earthquake, a Russo–Armenian co-production that aimed to elicit Indonesian sympathy for the victims of the earthquake that destroyed Leninaken and Spitakin in 1988, which measured 6.9 on the Richter scale.

When watching Earthquake, our feelings were transported to a devastating catastrophe, 29 years ago. We relived the earthquake for five minutes whilst looking at the pictures of a building that had been razed to the ground, but my emotions remained unstirred. I looked at the dozens of audience members sitting behind me in that private cinema that night, but they displayed no emotion. Earthquake was unsuccessful propaganda in Indonesia.

The bilateral relations between the Azerbaijani government, represented by

the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta, and the Indonesian government, including the House of Representatives, have developed to an excellent level over the past 25 years.

The commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre provided Azerbaijanis with an opportunity to express their deepest feelings, which tore the heart of every Azerbaijani, injuring every facet of their lives, due to the stream of blood and lives that were killed needlessly on the night of 26 February 1992.

To commemorate the massacre, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta selected the independent US–Lithuanian documentary film Endless Corridor to be screened in several Institutions, including the Indonesian House of Representatives, Islamic Organisation PP Muhammadiyah, and to close the programme at the State Islamic University Jakarta (UIN) on 7 March 2017, where it was viewed by an audience of 250, including representatives from the media; Islamic and Christian organisations, university academics and students; NGO Officials from Human Rights and Children’s Human Rights organisations, and the Indonesian Heritage Society, prefaced with a warm welcome by Professor Dr Dede Rosyada, MA., the Rector of UIN Jakarta.

Endless Corridor was directed by Aleksandras Brokas and Mindaugas Urbonavicius, and has achieved numerous awards from International Film Festivals, including that held in Bali in 2015. It has attracted praise from Indonesian critics, and received three nominations at the International Festival of Peace, Inspiration, Equality in Jakarta in 2015 for its promotion and protection of high humanistic ideas; cultural achievement in art; and its contribution towards humanity.

We can see from the Khojaly tragedy that inhuman people exist, and they arrogantly thought that they could decide the destiny of others.

Following the documentary screening, the massacre and the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict were debated by Ruslan Nasibov, Counsellor, Azerbaijani Embassy to Indonesia and Dr Badrus Sholeh, UIN Jakarta

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Special Feature: Azerbaijani–Indonesian relations

H.E. Tamerlan Garayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia, commented: “Azerbaijan would like to share the tragedy of Khojaly with the best friends of Azerbaijan across the world, including Indonesia. They must be made aware of the actions of the Armenian military against the Azerbaijani people. The world must know that there was a massacre in Azerbaijan that killed 613 civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people.”

Following this speech, two students read a poem entitled Karabakh, written by myself, in the English and Indonesian languages.

The Khojaly commemoration at UIN Jakarta concluded with an international seminar, during which attendees enthusiastically posed questions, despite the limited time available. All guests demonstrated their appreciation of this moving film, and returned home with a book about Khojaly, a bracelet, a pin, and coffee mug emblazoned with a design from the Karabakh region.

I heard the faint voice of Majnun reciting again his eternal love to Leyla, as described by Nizami Ganjavi, and at last rose from my front row seat in that empty

(from left) Noeh Hatumena, Indonesian Press Council; Ruslan Nasibov, Counsellor, Azerbaijani Embassy to Indonesia; Dr Badrus Sholeh, UIN Jakarta; drg. Sri Redjeki, Member of the Christian Community and friend of Azerbaijan in Indonesia

auditorium, when I realised my eyes were wet with tears.

One day, I hope to see the survivors of the Khojaly tragedy – women and children, in particular – to whom I would deliver the sympathy of the Indonesian people.

I want to continue my dreams, and hear the strains of mugham and ashiq music whilst lying beneath the ripe fruit of the pomegranate trees.

In the Beautiful Valleys In the beautiful valleys I want you to know An upset heartbeat Disturbed me by the footsteps of the soldiers

Poet, author and journalist Nia S. Amira – a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan – who is passionate about ensuring that the Karabakh conflict is correctly understood across Indonesia

I Fall in Love I fall in love For some reason, I don’t know why Who is asleep during the full moon?

I don’t know, it may be a princess

In the valleys with soul I want you to listen to me Songs and poems that are created No longer beautiful in my ears In the valleys with soul I want you to look at me through your bright eyes Here in Shahdagh and Tufandag There will no more vain life because of hot bullets and gunpowder

I fall in love Tired down the hills with no wheat fields I was pricked by a romance story Sad but happy I fall in love Look, my eyes are wet, longing for you Hoping to see you under the shade of the pomegranate tree Look, my pace has been up to the edge of the lake

Karabakh, Even the Moon Cries It was a hollow air, not windy Tightness in my chest, layers of pain My land is trampled, my feet feel cold Where is the old man who used to sit there?

I fall in love And the people accompany me with their mugham I fall in love And even Mikayil Mushfig awakened from his long sleep

The night was silent and quiet Even the snake is reluctant to slither The screams of mother made my heart screw up It seemed to stop beating I looked into the vineyard from behind the door, dry... lifeless 300 full moons have gone, and though my final breath lasts only on my shoulder My body still waits for the next episode Karabakh, I am here for you © All poems copyright Nia S. Amira

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Personalities – Javid Shahmaliyev Business News Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

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President Macron called to work upon fair Karabakh settlement Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has called upon new French President Emmanuel Macron to redouble attempts towards achieving a fair settlement of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The congratulatory letter stated: “I attach particular importance to France’s efforts, and hope that they will finally contribute towards a fair settlement of the conflict.

Azerbaijan’s stance is that the conflict must be solved only in compliance with the norms of international law and within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.”

In his letter, the Azerbaijani President reiterated the details of the four UN Security Council resolutions and one UN General Assembly resolution passed against the Armenian occupation, together

President Ilham Aliyev has drawn the attention of 39-year-old French President Emmanuel Macron to the ongoing illegality of the Armenian occupation

with the relevant decisions and resolutions of the OSCE, NATO, European Parliament, PACE, Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and other international organisations.

President Aliyev commented: “Armenia ignores all of the resolutions and decisions regarding the conflict. France, like the other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, considers the status quo to be unacceptable.”

High-tech prostheses for Azerbaijani soldiers disabled in April battles Azerbaijani soldiers and officers who were disabled during the battles of April 2016 have been supplied with high-tech prostheses.

The decision follows careful examination of the individual needs of the soldiers and officers who lost limbs during the ‘Four-Day War’, which raged between 1–5 April 2016.

During a meeting with a group of disabled soldiers and officers on 3 April, Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President, gave instructions regarding the supply of such prostheses, including those produced

by the German company Otto Bock and British company RSL Steeper.

These include the Harmony P3 vacuum system, which ensures the residual limb perfectly fits in the prosthetic socket using a weightactivated mechanical vacuum pump; the C-Leg 4 microprocessor knee; and the Bebionic3 prosthetic hand, all of which are designed to maximise usability and achieve the optimal aesthetic result using silicone covers.

Mammadyarov: “In diplomacy, negotiations for the sake of negotiations do not exist” Following a visit to the region by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – tasked with establishing a negotiated peace to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – Edward Nalbandian, Armenian Foreign Minister, stated that a meeting with Elmar Mammadyarov, his

Azerbaijani counterpart, would be possible.

Speaking to APA, Mr Mammadyarov reflected: “After the tripartite Moscow summit, I received the impression that peace, in return for troop withdrawal or the return of territory, would be possible. This

has constituted the logic of the negotiations process for the last 12 years. However, in diplomacy, negotiations for the sake of negotiations do not exist. It is clear to everyone that the armed forces of Armenia must be withdrawn from the Azerbaijani occupied territories.”

List of Karabakh missing nears conclusion The listing of those who went missing during the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh from 1988–94 is almost complete, according to the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons. The statement

also calls upon those citizens who have not yet appealed to the State Commission with regard to their missing relatives to provide the Working Group with information as soon as possible. To date, 3,868 Azerbaijanis have been listed as missing.

Shusha: a quarter of a century of occupation The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 25th anniversary of the Armenian occupation of Shusha. It reads: “The armed forces of Armenia occupied the ancient Azerbaijani city of Shusha on 8 May 1992. As a result of the occupation, Shusha city and 30 villages in the Shusha region were destroyed, 195 innocent civilians were killed, 165 were wounded and 58 persons remain missing. More than 24,000 inhabitants of Shusha were subjected to ethnic cleansing.

“The occupation of Shusha manifested the

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Armenian systematic policy of occupation and aggression against Azerbaijan. Due to this, Armenia forcibly occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven adjacent regions of Azerbaijan, conducted ethnic cleansing against more than one million Azerbaijanis in the occupied territories, and committed serious war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“Along with being an inalienable part of the internationally recognised territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Shusha city has a great historical, cultural, moral and symbolic

meaning for the people of Azerbaijan. The occupation of Shusha city, which is called the ‘Cradle of Azerbaijani music’ and the ‘Conservatory of the Orient’ inflicted heavy damage on the cultural, spiritual and moral heritage of the Azerbaijani people.”

It continues by explaining that more than 170 buildings regarded as architectural monuments in Shusha, including mosques, were destroyed over the past 25 years, and that more 33,000 Shusha inhabitants now live as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

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